How I Talk to God as a Tired Mom (No Fancy Prayers Needed)

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not “praying right,” this one’s for you.

I used to feel like I didn’t know how to pray. I thought I needed the right words, a quiet morning routine, or a list of verses ready to go. I thought prayer had to sound polished and poetic–like something I could never quite do “right.”

But what I’ve learned over time is that God isn’t looking for polished. He’s just looking for me.

I Don’t Pray the “Right” Way (And That’s Okay)

If someone overheard my prayers, they might think I don’t know what I’m doing. I didn’t grow up in church–I stopped going when I was six–so I never really learned what a “proper” prayer sounded like. But that didn’t stop me from talking to God.

There was a time when I felt embarrassed by the way I prayed. I wondered, Am I doing it wrong? Does He even hear me? My thoughts felt messy and my words weren’t fancy. I was just rambling half the time. But one day it hit me: I was still showing up. I was still talking to Him. And I knew He was listening.

I picture myself like a little kid at the playground, telling a grown-up all about her day–the food she ate, the trouble she got into, something funny her dog did. That’s me with God. Rambling, real, and wide open. And you know what? I think He loves that.

What My Prayers Actually Sound Like

To give you a glimpse into how I pray, here are some real examples of things I’ve said to God–no edits, no filter:

“God… I am SO sorry for snapping like that. That was so rude. I promise I’ll try to do better. Help me be more patient with my girls. You’re so patient with me–even when I don’t deserve it. Thank you for these little terrors. I love then more than life itself.”
“God, Jesus, Holy Spirit… I am so triggered with anxiety right now. Please be with me. Please give me peace that surpasses understanding. I need You.”
“Thank you, Lord, for today. For the sun. For the kids laughing while eating ice cream. For this whole messy, beautiful life. I’m just so, so thankful.”
“Jesus… if one more bad thing happens today, I might lose it. I’m running on empty. I’m trying to hold it together. Please help me. Please be near.”

This is how I talk to God–as a tired, grateful, overwhelmed, ordinary mom.

What The Bible Says About Honest Prayer

If you’ve ever felt like your praters are too messy, too emotional, or not “spiritual enough,” I want to leave you with this encouragement:

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” – Romans 8:26 (NIV)

Even when we don’t have the words, He hears us. Even when all we have is tears or a tired sigh, He understands.

You Don’t Have to Pray Perfectly–Just Pray Honestly

God doesn’t need a performance. He just wants your heart.

Whether you’re whispering a quick “Help me” between meltdowns, or crying in the car while you ask for peace–it’s all prayer. It all matters. It all counts.

So if you’ve ever felt like you don’t pray “right,” I hope you know you’re not alone. You’re showing up. You’re talking to your Father. And it’s more than enough.